LARRY GRAHAM & GRAHAM CENTRAL STATION "presented by Berks Jazz Fest"

Funk legend Larry Graham is an American baritone singer, musician, songwriter and record producer. He is best known as both the bass guitar player in the popular and influential psychedelic soul/funk band Sly & the Family Stone, and as the founder and front man of Graham Central Station.

He is credited with the invention of the slapping technique, which radically expanded the tonal palette of the bass, although he himself refers to the technique as Thumpin’ and Pluckin’.

In 1968 Graham joined Sly and the Family Stone. Their first album A Whole New Thing provided a way for people all over the country to hear Larry’s unique bass playing.

Their next album had a number of hit singles such as “Dance to the Music” and “Everybody Is a Star,” both of which allowed his voice as well as his thumping and plucking bass style to be heard around the globe. In 1993 Graham was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Sly and the Family Stone.

In the early 70s, Graham left Sly and the Family Stone and started to produce a band named Hot Chocolate, which he eventually joined and renamed it Graham Central Station.

In 1979 Graham launched his solo career and then became known for his soulful ballads. Graham has also performed at international venues both as a solo performer as well as with Graham Central Station and has performed with Prince.